The dog breed Akita is indigenous to Japan, and is highly revered in that country. The best thing about this breed of dog is that its features have remained unchanged throughout the centuries and it is regarded as the national dog of Japan and also a natural monument. The mention of the dog is found in the both written and verbal history of Japan. The dogs from this breed which is the largest among the Spitz type breeds are highly expensive and at one time they were only possessed by the aristocrats and the nobles. At that time they were used for hunting boars and bear, act as an imperial protector and for retrieving waterfowls after they are hunted. Currently they are known as excellent companion, guard and therapy dog. Helen Keller is credited for introducing this dog breed to USA.

General Description

Akitas are large, muscular and sturdy dogs. They have webbed paws and this is the reason for which they have become excellent swimmers. The best quality of this breed of dog is that they are of a reserved nature and therefore carry themselves in a dignified manner. They are a combination of power, alertness, responsiveness and courage. These qualities have made a noble breed of dog.

The coat of Akita has double coating and the outer coat is straight and harsh and stands off the body. The under coat is soft, close to the body and is also dense. They have shorter hair on legs, ears and head and the tail hairs are long and dense. They shed their coat twice in a year and their coats are of colors like brindle, red, white, and sesame.

General Health

This dog breed is prone to diseases like eye problems, hypothyroidism, and dysplasia and the average life span is of 10 to 12 years.

Weight

The female of Akita weighs about 30-45 kg and the males weigh about 35-54 kg. The males are about 64-70cms (25 ¼-27 ½ inches) in height, and females are 58-64 cms (22 ¾-25 ¼ inches).

Character

The Akita is highly intelligent, fearless, and spontaneous. They thrive on human companionship. They are extremely loyal to their family and those they know, but are wary and aloof of strangers. Your Akita will be excessively protective about you and also where he or she stays and the food. If you have any other dogs or pets you might find the Akita attacking them. If you have older and well behaved children in your family then you would find the Akita to be very friendly with them, but they would not tolerate unknown children.

In spite of not being excessive barkers they are excellent as guard dogs, but they need careful handling since they get depressed if they are left alone for a long time. Therefore, it is not an ideal pet for you if there is no one at home to take care of the dog. You would need to give immense attention to the dog and thus if you are a novice dog owner or if you are a submissive one then you should not think of having an Akita. You need to give obedience training and extensive socialization training to your Akita and you should always let them know who the master is.

But while training them, you should not use harsh methods. It is better to treat them with patience, firmness, kindness and consistency. Other qualities of Akita include intelligence, spontaneity and fearlessness. You would find them enjoy human company. Though they are extremely loyal to the family of their masters and their friends, they are generally show aloofness and sometimes become wary of strangers. Another problem with them is because of their size and nature they are not perfect as a pet in the apartment but for a house having a fenced yard.

General Health

This dog breed is prone to diseases like eye problems, hypothyroidism, and dysplasia. Another problem with them is because of their size and nature they are not perfect as a pet in the apartment but for a house having a fenced yard.

Maintenance

This breed of dog requires regular grooming with a firm bristle brush. You should not give a shower unless it is absolutely necessary and that too should be given by using a mild shampoo so that the natural oil of the coat remains intact. You also need to trim the bottom of their paws so that their webbed feet can be preserved. Also it should be taken care that this breed of dog sheds heavily during warm weather.

Akita Inu Photos